Getting old is never easy and most of us want to stay looking as young and youthful for as long as possible, But rather than just having surgical treatments as well as non-surgical treatments like Botox, there are other ways we can reduce the ageing process and stop those fine lines and wrinkles from showing – as Mark Almond says ‘The battle scars of all the good times!’
Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable as we age. While ageing is a natural process that cannot be avoided, there are things you can do to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In this blog, we will discuss some effective ways to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Staying out of the sun is important!
One of the main causes of premature ageing is exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. If you do like to get some rays and go out in the sun, try to minimise the amount of time you are in the direct sun, take breaks and stay in the shade and try to avoid the peak times.
Stay healthy with the right diet.
Eating correctly and healthily is one of the main reasons why your skin will retain looking glowy. Fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries and greens, can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts can also help improve the appearance of your skin.
Drink lots… I mean water!
Keeping your skin hydrated is important for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drink around 2-3 litres of water per day, your skin will thank you for this. also use a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture. Another tip is to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Stop smoking.
Smoking accelerates the ageing process and can cause premature wrinkles. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which leads to a loss of collagen and elastin fibres. Quitting smoking can improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the risk of developing wrinkles – if you find it hard to quit, maybe reduce or try a vape!
Use retinol.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover and promoting the growth of new skin cells. Retinol is available in over-the-counter products and prescription-strength creams.
Go to sleep at reasonable times.
Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can break down collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – try not to sleep on the side of the face, as this can also cause lines over time
There is no real quick fix to reduce fine lines and wrinkles (apart from surgery) and a lot of time it comes down to genetics, but staying healthy, sleeping correctly and drinking water will all help to stay young and vibrant – oh and when on holiday wear sunblock or factor 50. But factor 50 should be worn daily anyway. : )